Alumna Katrina Roshan from Class of 2020 is a 16 year old singer/songwriter, living in Kuala Lumpur, who has just released her debut solo single ‘YOU’. Following the successful release of ‘YOU’, her follow up single ‘Lost Again’ was released on 18th August 2020. Kat will soon relocate to the USA to further her studies and hone her skills in singing, songwriting and producing music later this month at the Idyllwild Arts Academy in California.
Katrina, please share with us your journey as an artist.
When I was young, my violin teacher commented that she saw real potential in me. I started piano lessons at age 5 and then picked up the guitar from a former teacher. He has since become my mentor and is now my manager as I develop my music career.
From a young age, I was always busy composing my own music. By a chance encounter at KLCC with my father’s friend who had been in the music industry, I was introduced to Chossy Pratama, an esteemed music producer and composer from Jakarta. This culminated in me recording and releasing his song, ‘Rasa’, in Indonesia on 8th April 2020.
What have been some of the highlights of being an artist so far?
The highlights of my career so far have been releasing my first single ‘Rasa’ under Indonesian Producer Chossy Pratama, being HitzFM Homegrown Artist of the Month for October 2020 and appearing in the The Star Newspaper recently.
My latest release, ‘Reflection’ from Mulan is in Mandarin, which means that I have now released in 3 different languages.
What made you interested to explore this field?
Sports has always been my main passion at school and music took a backseat role during this latter period in my school life. However, my main talent is in music and so this led me to explore this. I am able to reflect and express myself through the music that I create.
The whole process of the journey of a song, from its conception as a simple demo on a piano and jottings in a notepad, to a fully mixed and mastered track ready for music video shooting is also fascinating!
How do you manage your interest and also your studies? Any advice for those who are juggling with many things going on at the same time?
This has been a big challenge as I have a large variety of interests as well as being focused on pushing myself academically. Discipline is key, as well as being organised with my timetabling. I am fortunate to have had a good support network around me, both at home through my family and manager, but also in school from the excellent support network that Garden has. Mrs. Anna Berney, amongst others, was particularly supportive in encouraging me and supporting my achievements throughout my time at Garden.
My advice to other students in school would be to stay focused on your goals and try to avoid distractions that will hold you up from achieving them. Ask for help if you are struggling, but do your best always and remind yourself constantly that you are doing so. Also, make use of the support network around you!
What are your fondest memories of your time at GIS?
My fondest memories of school were the large variety of sports teams available which I took park in. I loved these sports competitions and training sessions that led up to them, and I particularly loved the FOBISIA games and SESAC.
What is your goal in life?
My main goal in life is to write and produce the best music that I’m capable of doing; to forge a career on the international music scene as either performer, composer or in the music production field. Alternatively, I have a strong academic interest in criminal law so a career in this field cannot also be ruled out.
What would be the one piece of advice you would give to current students at GIS?
Follow your passion, dreams and interests, but always have a back-up plan! As this year has shown, anything can happen!
Who would you like to thank?
I would like to say a big thank you to all my form tutors and teachers, too numerous to mention all by name, who have supported and guided me throughout my time at GIS, particularly Mrs. Anna Berney who really encouraged me and showed support towards my sporting and musical goals.
I would like to say a special thanks to my manager, Stephen Kimber, for his faith in my ability over the years and of course to my parents for their unconditional love, patience and unwavering support.
To listen to some of Kat’s music, check out the following:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCILK8TNgiC4AeXCMJPxnG9g
A huge ‘Thank You’ to Katrina Roshan for sharing her exciting journey with us. We wish you all the best with your future career!
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